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EP0592243B1 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Rotational endoscopic mechanism with jointed drive mechanism

Assignee: Ethicon Inc
•
Filing: 1993-10-08
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Granted: 1997-04-23
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Expires: 2013-10-08
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Abstract

Abstract Described herein is an endoscopic instrument such as a dissector, scissor or grasper in which there is provided a shaft which defines a longitudinal axis of the instrument. This shaft is able to rotate about the handle portion of the instrument. This mechanism also provides for articulation of the end effectors with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This articulation is accomplished by causing angulation of the end effector with respect to the shaft. Because driving the cable is accomplished around any such angle, the end effectors continue to be able to operate. There is disclosed herein a locking mechanism which allows the rotational aspect of the device to operate to rotate the entire articulating mechanism.

Inventors

  • 👤 William L. Hassler
  • 👤 Thomas Murray
  • 👤 Charles R. Armstrong
  • 👤 Daniel Price

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 15:28
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2927; A61B2017/2929

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 143 words
An endoscopic mechanism comprising: an endoscopic portion containing an outer tube (10) which defines a longitudinal axis of said tube (10) and through which may be operated a drive rod (30); a drive rod (30) contained within said outer tube (10), said drive rod (30) containing a proximal end connected to a handle, and a distal end connected to an end effector portion (100); a trigger connected to said drive rod (30) said trigger capable of operating said end effector portion (100); and wherein said end effector portion (100) is capable of being angulated up to 90° with said outer tube (10) characterised in that said end effector portion (100) is connected to an articulation tube (20) contained in said outer tube (10), and said articulation tube (20) is capable of moving said end effector portion (100) with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 18 words
The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said outer tube (10) is capable of rotating about said longitudinal axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 37 words
The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said drive rod (30) is connected to a drive cable (50) at said end effector portion (100), said cable capable of operating at any position of said end effector portion (100).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 19 words
The mechanism of claim 1, wherein said articulation tube (20) is connected in said handle to an articulation knob.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 19 words
The mechanism of claim 4, wherein said end effector portion (100) is capable of rotating about said longitudinal axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 117 words
A mechanism for performing endoscopic procedures comprising: an outer tube (10) having a hollow interior and defining a longitudinal axis; an end effector portion (100) connected to said hollow outer tube (10), said end effector portion (100) pivotable about said tube (10); characterised in that an articulation tube (20) contained in said outer tube (10) is connected to said end effector portion (100), said articulation tube (20) reciprocable with respect to said longitudinal axis; and a handle portion attached to said articulation tube (20), said handle portion containing an articulation knob capable of reciprocating said articulation tube (20); said articulation tube (20) being capable of moving said end effector portion (100) with respect to said longitudinal axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 28 words
The mechanism of claim 6, wherein said articulation knob is capable of causing said end effector portion (100) of pivoting up to 90° about said outer tube (10).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 51 words
The mechanism of claim 7, wherein said articulation knob contains a helical interior, and said articulation tube (20) is connected to a winged nut within said helical interior, such that rotation of said articulation knob causes said winged nut to reciprocate said articulation tube (20) with respect to said longitudinal axis.

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